How do you observe children in Montessori?
To observe children in Montessori, sit quietly at the edge of the room with a notebook, watch without intervening, and write factual notes: time, child (initials), material, what the child did and said, how long they concentrated and any difficulties. Observe a few children each day and use notes to plan lessons.
What this means in practice
Observation is a skill; it improves with practice.
Types of observation
- Narrative: what happened, in order
- Time sample: who is doing what every 10 minutes
- Checklist: which materials each child uses
- Focus child: one child for 15 minutes
Objective language
Write 'held the jug with two hands, spilled twice' rather than 'clumsy'.
Practical next steps
- Choose a method.
- Sit still and quiet.
- Record facts.
- Review weekly.
ExampleA teacher's time sample shows the maths shelf is never used before 10 a.m., so she moves group time.
What to keep in mind
Keep records confidential.
Common follow-up questions
How long?
10–15 minutes at a time.
Can parents observe?
Many schools allow scheduled observations.
Sources
- Association Montessori Internationale (AMI)
- Maria Montessori, The Montessori Method (1912), Project Gutenberg
Examples are educational illustrations with made-up names. How these answers are prepared.